Tuesday, March 15, 2016

{DIY} Housecleaning ~ Spring Collection of 10-Step Inspiration

"Seen from the outside, housework can look like a Sisyphean task that gives you no sense of reward or completion. Yet housekeeping actually offers more opportunities for savoring achievement than almost any other work I can think of. Each of its regular routines brings satisfaction when it is completed. These routines echo the rhythm of life, and the housekeeping rhythm is the rhythm of the body. You get satisfaction not only from the sense of order, cleanliness, freshness, peace and plenty restored, but from the knowledge that you yourself and those you care about are going to enjoy those benefits."

Gentle spring has come bringing symphonies of rain, glorious greens and the freshness of a new growing season. The air is pure and promising, just the kind of weather to enjoy a homemaking renewal. We hope these "steps" of tutorials and ideas will stir your desire to enjoy the rhythm of housecleaning in any season!

1. Before you commence cleaning, I invite you to visit here for a bit of a "warm up".

2. Save yourself loads of money and chemical overload in your home by making your own cleaning products. It could be fun to stock your "cleaning closet" with a few months worth of cleaning provisions! I love to prepare jars and jars of cleaners (pretend like you are making an aisle's worth for a grocery store). In as little as twenty minutes and for less than a few dollars, you can have a nice supply of homemade goods. Here are some basic printable cleaning product recipes.

3. Like all elements of homemaking, adding a bit of creativity can make the mundane into something marvelous. To make it even more fun (yes ladies, this is fun to me!), we share some basic printable cleaning product labels. Recycle some pretty jars, containers and spray bottles, and you have a nice assortment of boutique-like cleaning products! My daughter likes to color in her labels for extra beauty.

4. Sew up some pretty cleaning cloths! The tutorial for ours was found at this lovely blog here. It only requires the knowledge of sewing a straight line. I was able to make up this little stack in as little as 15 minutes! We cut around an old bath towel (that recently developed holes) for one side of the cleaning cloths while the alternating fabric was from a vintage sheet found at a Salvation Army Store for $1. This pretty pattern will surely keep me smiling as I go about my household tasks.

5. (Homemaking Hint:) When doing your routine cleaning (or even dishwashing), cut your sponges in half to stretch them. The smaller size also makes it easier to get into any nooks and crannies.

6. Make vacuuming pleasant! We invite you to visit this post for some inspiration. A bit of aromatherapy and/or herbs, and you will be invigorated as you clean!

7. Instead of chemical-laden Lysol, make your own disinfectant and room deodorizer. We call it our "Get Well Soon" spray but it is very versatile. You will find our reasons and recipe here. When the cleaning day is done, I love to do a final spritz around the home!

9. Store all your cleaning know-how (recipes, schedules and lists) in one convenient place such as a home management binder or a household herbal. This will give you that organized feeling that a keeper at home often craves!

10. Consider participating in a Victorian Era "Monthly Home Maintenance"! Visit here for the complete series. This is more of an organizational upkeep and maintenance of your inventory of household goods to make your home run smoothly (though it could be easily used as a spring cleaning routine).

I hope this leaves you encouraged to do some old fashioned housecleaning with some handmade products. Turn on some inspirational music, put on your brightest and cheeriest apron, roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath and transform your house into a clean and orderly home! Oh the beauty of living in a scrubbed, shining and tidy dwelling -- It is most luxurious!

And when the work is completed for the day, I do hope you brew yourself a cup of tea or coffee. Gently pour it into a dainty tea cup. Take a step outside into the fresh air. Pull up a chair, lift up your weary feet and rejoice in the fruit of your labors.

Beautiful post. You did find a pretty sheet to use. They look much nicer than the old socks I use:) That probably would make house cleaning a bit more enjoyable~ Just might have to stitch up a few. Thank you.

JES, Only you could inspire me to begin spring cleaning! I love this: "adding a bit of creativity can make the mundane into something marvelous." I can honestly say I have never thought of ANY kind of cleaning as marvelous ;-)I appreciate the gentle attitude check: I have been neglecting things around here and needed some inspiration!Thank you for sharing over at Coffee & Conversation today - I'm sure my readers will love your beautiful post... <3

Great idea cutting the sponges in half. I'm using the lavender vacuum powder to send with a several other items for a tea exchange. I can't get the label to print you provided. Any suggestions please. This will be going on my blog for the hop. I will link back to you for the recipe for the powder. This has to be mailed fairly soon. thanks for all help.

Thank you for sharing all of this wonderful homemaking inspiration! This week I purchased a few essential oils and I am so excited to begin making my own cleaning supplies!! : ) Your cleaning cloths are so pretty, that is a terrific idea too.

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Free Unit Studies for Your Homeschool

Charlotte Mason Homeschool Series

Welcome! A little introduction… I am an old-fashioned, Bible-believing, wife to my "one and only" for 20 years, homeschooling mother, who embraces her role as "keeper at home". We live on a 25-acre prairie farm.For fun… my three main earthly weaknesses (in no particular order) are coffee, dark chocolate and hardcover books. What about you? My hope is that this blog will inspire you in the arts of homemaking, homeschooling and homesteading. Visit here for 10 random facts about me... Have a beautiful day! ~ JES

"The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies. A true mother is one of the holiest secrets of home happiness. God sends many beautiful things to this world, many noble gifts; but no blessing is richer than that which He bestows in a mother who has learned love's lessons well, and has realized something of the meaning of her sacred calling."

"She (the godly wife and mother) is a mighty warrior queen who fights righteous battles at her husband's side and reigns with him over the home and domain God has given them as they work together for Christ's eternal Kingdom and glory."

"There is nothing in the daily routine of the family life that is unimportant. Indeed, it is ofttimes the things we think of as without influence that will be found to have made the deepest impression on the tender lives of the household." ~ Excerpt from The Family

“And there are my children! My darling, precious children! For their sakes I am continually constrained to seek after an amended, a sanctified life; what I want them to become I must become myself."

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